"They were boring and bleak, and I was like, 'Why doesn't someone write a funny self-help book?'" says Whitney.

Consider the mission accomplished!

Plus, to really drive the themes of her book home and be as open with her readers as possible, Whitney shared a handful of Instagram photos that help bring her stories to life. (Like a pic of the time her rescue dog bit off her ear!)

And no, that doesn't mean you don't have to do the dishes anymore! As the first-time author explains, we're so good to children — and so hard on ourselves. Be as sensitive with yourself as you would be a child, and you'll begin to nurture that self-love.